The book "Life of Prisoners in the Old Capitol and Civil War Reminiscences" by the author James J. Williamson is a valuable document that tells about the harsh conditions of imprisonment during the Civil War in the United States of America. The authentic memories of the author allow the reader to immerse himself in the atmosphere of prison life in that period and feel the complexity of the situations that arose among prisoners of war and political prisoners. The book is an interesting source of deep thoughts about human rights, the history of conflicts and patriotism.